The Dining Room Table 1919

Frank Benson made this painting, "The Dining Room Table," with oil on canvas, and the approach to mark-making is like a dance of light and shadow, creating a symphony of color that makes the whole scene feel alive and in process. Looking closely, you can see how Benson plays with the thickness of the paint, alternating between thin, transparent washes and thicker, more opaque strokes. The way the light hits the silver candlesticks, for instance – it’s pure magic. The texture of the tablecloth, with its subtle variations in tone and brushwork, makes you want to reach out and touch it. And that parrot! The way its feathers catch the light is just stunning. It’s like Benson is saying, "Here's a world you can get lost in," and I'm totally here for it. Benson’s work reminds me a little of Édouard Manet. Both artists had this knack for capturing the fleeting beauty of everyday life. But while Manet was all about the modern world, Benson seems more interested in creating a sense of timelessness. It’s a beautiful, ambiguous image that invites you to linger and wonder.